Medication
- Dry, scaly skin
- Raised, cracked skin
- Itchiness around the rash
- Inflammation around the edges
- Blisters
- Pus-filled sores
Self-care
Ringworm usually doesn't get better on its own, so the symptoms are likely to worsen if it goes untreated. Areas of hair loss on the scalp or beard can become larger, for example. Untreated ringworm can also cause skin to blister and crack, leaving it open to bacterial infection.
Nutrition
The most common types of ringworm include the following:
- Athlete's foot (tinea pedis). This common condition mostly affects teen and adult males. ...
- Jock itch (tinea cruris). Ringworm may be hard to cure. ...
- Scalp ringworm (tinea capitis). Scalp ringworm is highly contagious, especially among children. ...
- Nail infection (tinea unguium). ...
- Body ringworm (tinea corporis). ...
What are the healing stages of ringworm?
How long is ringworm contagious if treated vs. untreated? Ringworm remains contagious during the first 48 hours of treatment in people and for about 3 weeks from the start of aggressive treatment in pets. In both cases, untreated ringworm remains contagious for much longer. The fungal spores themselves can live for up to 20 months.
What happens if ringworm is untreated?
What are the long term effects of ringworm?
How long is ringworm contagious if treated vs. untreated?
Does ringworm constantly itch?
Ringworm (dermatophytosis) is a temporary circular rash that appears red or pink on light skin tones and brown or gray on skin of color. The rash may or may not itch, and it may grow over time.
What to do if ringworm is itching?
If the ringworm is on your skin, an OTC antifungal cream, lotion, or powder may work just fine. Some of the most popular ones are clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex) and miconazole. In most cases, you'll have to use the medicines on your skin for 2 to 4 weeks to make sure you kill the fungus that causes ringworm.
How long does it take for ringworm to respond to treatment?
Ringworm on the body is usually treated with a topical ointment such as terbinafine. A four-week course is common , but the time can vary. With treatment, a ringworm infection on a part of the body without hair (glabrous skin) is likely to clear up within two to four weeks of the start of treatment.
How long does it take for ringworm to itch?
Symptoms typically appear between 4 and 14 days after the skin comes in contact with the fungi that cause ringworm.
Should you cover ringworm at night?
Let it breathe. It may seem logical to keep ringworm covered with a bandage to prevent spreading the infection. However, bandaging the rash locks in moisture and slows the healing process. Instead, wear comfortable, breathable clothes to speed healing and avoid spreading the rash to other people.
Does ringworm get worse before it gets better?
With the correct treatment, ringworm usually goes away within 2 to 4 weeks. People with low immunity or debilitating conditions may develop severe infections due to ringworm. To prevent the infection from getting worse, they may need more aggressive treatment.
Does ringworm ooze when healing?
Ringworm of the Body (Tinea Corporis) When fungus affects the skin of the body, it often produces itchy, red, raised, scaly patches that may blister and ooze. The patches often have sharply defined edges.
How long before ringworm fades?
Most mild cases of ringworm usually clear up in 2 to 4 weeks. But treatment might be needed for up to 3 months if the infection is more serious, or affects the nails or the scalp.
Why are ringworms itchy?
Ringworm attacks dead tissues in places like the hair, nails, and leftover dandruff. But our bodies' immune reactions and local bacterial infections enable ringworm to turn healthy, living skin red and itchy.
Does lotion make ringworm worse?
Steroid creams also can make ringworm worse because they weaken the skin's defenses. In rare cases, steroid creams allow the fungus that causes ringworm to invade deeper into the skin and cause a more serious condition. Steroid creams can make ringworm infections spread to cover more of the body.
Does ringworm itch and burn?
If you have ringworm, common symptoms include: A circular or ring-like rash that may be raised along the edges. A rash that may be scaly, itchy, red, or burning.
How long are you contagious with ringworm?
It is only passed from animal to human. After 48 hours of treatment, ringworm does not spread to others at all.
Why does ringworm itch?
Ringworm attacks dead tissues in places like the hair, nails, and leftover dandruff. But our bodies' immune reactions and local bacterial infections enable ringworm to turn healthy, living skin red and itchy.
What is the fastest home remedy for ringworm?
Aloe vera Aloe vera has long been used as a natural remedy for both bacterial and fungal infections, and ringworm is no exception. Aloe vera can treat the ringworm and may soothe symptoms of itchiness, inflammation, and discomfort. You can find ointments with aloe vera or apply aloe vera gel directly to the area.
Does lotion make ringworm worse?
Steroid creams also can make ringworm worse because they weaken the skin's defenses. In rare cases, steroid creams allow the fungus that causes ringworm to invade deeper into the skin and cause a more serious condition. Steroid creams can make ringworm infections spread to cover more of the body.
How long does it take for ringworm to disappear?
Most mild cases of ringworm usually clear up in 2 to 4 weeks. But treatment might be needed for up to 3 months if the infection is more serious, or affects the nails or the scalp.
How long does it take for ringworm to clear?
A mild case usually clears in two weeks. If the athlete’s foot is more severe or fails to clear in two weeks, a dermatologist can prescribe stronger medicine. Jock itch: To treat this type of ringworm, your dermatologist may recommend an antifungal cream, spray, or powder that you can buy without a prescription.
How to clear ringworm from nails?
Antifungal medicine can clear ringworm from every area of the body. In some areas like the nails and hands, clearing takes time. It’s important to follow your dermatologist’s treatment plan and keep all follow-up appointments.
How do dermatologists diagnose ringworm?
A dermatologist can often tell if you have ringworm by looking at the infected area.
How to treat ringworm in beard?
Beard: Ringworm in the beard area requires prescription antifungal medicine and a tailor-made treatment plan. Your dermatologist may need to remove unhealthy tissue to help the area heal. You’ll also need to shave the infected hair.
How to get rid of ringworm on fingernails?
If the ringworm has spread to a fingernail, you will need to take an antifungal medicine to get rid of the infection. Nails: You need prescription medicine to clear ringworm from the nails. Because nails grow slowly, ringworm will take time to clear.
What medicine do you take for ringworm?
If the ringworm covers a large area of skin, you may need to take a prescription antifungal medicine .
How to get rid of jock itch?
When washing the infected area or applying a cool compress, be sure to use a clean washcloth every time and use it only on the jock itch. Before using the washcloth again, you’ll want to wash it in hot, sudsy water to kill the fungus. Ringworm can survive on objects for a long time.
How long does it take for ringworm to heal?
As you’re about to see in the upcoming ringworm healing chart, a typical ringworm infection, even with treatment takes 2-4 weeks to be fully eradicated. What’s more is as long as you have ringworm, you can infect someone else and they, in turn, can re-infect you.
How long does ringworm take to appear?
The typical symptoms of a ringworm fungal infection are: redness, irritation, itching, cracked or scaly skin, bumps and/or ring-shaped rashes.
How to treat ringworm on scalp?
However, most are successfully treated by applying an anti-fungal ointment to the infection site. The ointment can be prescribed by a doctor or purchased over the counter.
How to tell if ringworm is healing?
Do not use hand or body lotions unless instructed by your physician. Wash the skin with warm water and pat dry with a soft cloth. Continue applying your anti-fungal ointment as prescribed.
What to use for ringworm on feet?
Note: if your ringworm is on the toes and feet, (athlete’s foot) consider Lotrimin spray (link to spray product) vs. cream, especially if it’s hard for you to reach your fee t. The spray is known for getting into hard to reach places.
What does the color zone mean for ringworm?
The color zone means you are contagious and can pass ringworm spores to someone else (or your pet).
How do you know if you have ringworm?
The first symptoms of ringworm that will diminish during treatment are the itching and redness. Blisters and the ring-shaped rash will still be present, but may look less red and irritated. It is important that you continue using the anti-fungal even though you may be “feeling better.”
How long does ringworm last on the scalp?
Ringworm on the scalp (tinea capitis) usually needs to be treated with prescription antifungal medication taken by mouth for 1 to 3 months.
How to treat ringworm on scalp?
Ringworm on the scalp (tinea capitis) usually needs to be treated with prescription antifungal medication taken by mouth for 1 to 3 months. Creams, lotions, or powders don’t work for ringworm on the scalp. Prescription antifungal medications used to treat ringworm on the scalp include:#N#Griseofulvin (Grifulvin V, Gris-PEG)#N#Terbinafine#N#Itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox)#N#Fluconazole (Diflucan) 1 Griseofulvin (Grifulvin V, Gris-PEG) 2 Terbinafine 3 Itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox) 4 Fluconazole (Diflucan)
What to do if your child has ringworm?
You or your child has ringworm on the scalp. Ringworm on the scalp needs to be treated with prescription antifungal medication.
How long does it take for ringworm to go away?
It takes a total of two to four weeks of medication. Treatment should be continued for at least one week after the rash goes away. If the treatment time is extended it enables effectiveness and ensures the fungus is actually gone. Ringworm infection may not be quickly noticed because of its incubation period.
How Long Does Ringworm Last?
Treatment usually helps ringworm symptoms to disappear quickly. If left untreated, ringworm can last for months. With treatment, the skin condition usually starts clearing up within days, but it can take a week or two. Usually, depending on the severity, treatment generally lasts after the rash disappears.
Why is my ringworm rash red?
Hence, the infection may be ruled out just because the rash isn’t a ring with clear skin in the middle. Ringworm mostly shows up on the face, trunk, and limbs, and it can as well appear in other parts of the body.
What is a ring shaped rash?
Ringworm is known as a fungal infection that causes a ring-shaped rash on the skin. The rash is usually red and ring-shaped with unaffected skin in the middle. There may be scaly, bumpy or have blisters on the red border may.
What does ringworm look like?
Ringworm symptom may begin with a rash which is typically dry, raised, round patch, which may be slightly red. The patch may also be somehow itchy. As it grows, the center of the patch clears and leaves a ring-like appearance. Not all children display this central clearing.
What is the best treatment for ringworm?
Treatment for Ringworm. The basic treatment for ringworm is a contemporary antifungal cream, such as miconazole or clotrimazole. It is applied to the affected area. If you have ringworm of the scalp, it may be treated with a special shampoo combined with oral antifungal medicine.
How to diagnose ringworm?
How Ringworm Can Be Diagnosed. Ringworm is usually diagnosed by history and physical examination. Diagnosis of ringworm can be observed by looking at skin scrapings under the microscope, where the fungus is visible. As well, ringworm rash usually does not glow under ultraviolet light. If clearly, visible ringworm does not respond ...
How long should you treat ringworm?
By treating ringworm for as long as recommended, you help ensure that the ringworm does not re-appear a few weeks after you stop treating it.
How to get rid of ringworm?
When cleaning the area with ringworm, wash the affected area (s) and dry it (them) with a clean towel. Use another clean towel to dry the other parts of your body.
What to do if ringworm doesn't clear?
If treatment fails to clear the rash, tell your dermatologist. Virtually every case of ringworm can be successfully treated. Keep all follow-up appointments with your dermatologist. Ringworm often clears with the first treatment a dermatologist prescribes.
How to prevent ringworm from spreading?
Touching or scratching the area with ringworm and then touching another area can spread ringworm from one part of your body to another. Washing your hands well can help prevent this.
What is the best treatment for ringworm?
When treating a ringworm infection, it’s important to use an anti-fungal medicine. To get the best results and prevent the infection from spreading to other areas of your body, dermatologists recommend the following:
Can dogs catch ringworm?
It’s possible to catch ringworm from an animal. Dogs, cats, and other animals can pass ringworm to humans. Just as there are effective treatments for people, there are effective ringworm treatments for pets. If your pet is diagnosed with ringworm, you’ll want to take some preventive measures for a few weeks.
Can you get ringworm on your hands?
Treat all ringworm at the same time. If you have athlete’s foot and ringworm on your hands, it’s important to treat both your feet and hands. If you treat only one area, you’ll still have a ringworm infection. The infection can quickly spread to other areas again.#N#Because ringworm is very contagious, you can also spread ringworm to other people.
How long does it take for ringworm to clear?
According to one study, ointments or creams could take about 4 weeks to clear a ringworm infection. However, the exact duration of the infection depends on the location and severity of the lesion.
How long does ringworm live?
These fungi are contagious for as long as any of their spores remain alive. Fungal spores can live for 12 to 20 months, so it is important that a person disinfects anything that has come into contact with an infected person or animal.
What is ringworm on the scalp?
Summary. Ringworm is a fungal infection that causes ring-shaped lesions on the outer layers of the skin . These lesions are typically red and itchy, and they can appear on the scalp, outer extremities, or torso. Ringworm is highly contagious and can spread through contact with other areas of the body and other people.
What is the best treatment for ringworm on the scalp?
Ringworm that occurs on the scalp requires prescription medicine, such as oral antifungals. The doctor may also prescribe a medicated shampoo.
How to prevent ringworm from spreading?
Preventing contagion from pets to humans. If a pet has ringworm, a person should help prevent the infection from spreading by: seeking veterinary treatment for the pet. having the veterinarian check other household pets for ringworm. cleaning, vacuuming, and disinfecting areas of the home that the pet spends time in.
How to prevent ringworm?
Some steps that a person can take to prevent this infection include: wearing looser fitting shoes. changing underwear and socks at least once each day. keeping the skin clean and dry. avoiding walking barefoot in showers and other outdoor areas.
Can ringworm be passed from pet to human?
As a result, if a person has ringworm, they should avoid touching their groin area or feet. Doing so could cause the ringworm to spread to these parts of the body. A person who contracts ringworm from a pet cannot pass it on to another human. In this case, the fungus can only pass from animal to human.
How long does it take for ringworm to show up on your skin?
If you're exposed to ringworm, you can expect to see a rash on your skin four to 10 days later. Ringworm of the scalp takes somewhat longer to develop—between 10 and 14 days. 18
What is the ringworm rash?
Ringworm causes 1 a raised, red, scaly rash that typically forms in circular or ring-shaped patches.
What does it mean when your hair is ring worm?
On the scalp, you won't likely notice a ring. 6 Instead, you'll have flaky, itchy patches. These patches can be red, silvery grey, or crusty yellow. Your hair can get brittle and break or fall out easily. Very often it causes bald patches. Scalp ringworm is fairly common in toddlers and school-aged children.
How to tell if you have a ringworm rash?
You get the typical, ring-shaped ringworm rash on the trunk, arms, and legs. 3 First, you'll find a small , scaly area on the skin that itches. The scaly area progresses quickly to form a slightly raised, ring-shaped rash. As the rash spreads, the rings grow in diameter. The skin inside the ring may be clear and appear normal or have red ...
What is jock itch?
Ringworm in the Groin Area AKA "Jock Itch" (Tinea Cruris) Like athlete's foot, jock itch is caused by the same group of fungi that cause ringworm. 8 Jock itch causes a red to brown rash in the creases of the skin around the groin. It can spread to thighs, buttocks, and stomach. The rash is scaly and raised.
What does it mean when you have ringworm on your hands?
Ringworm can also appear on the hands. 10 If it appears on the back of the hands, you'll likely get the classic itchy, ring-shaped rash. On the palms and between the fingers, though, you may mistake it for dry skin because of dryness, peeling, and cracking.
What is it called when you have a dark spot on your ringworm?
After ringworm has healed, some people may have a dark mark left where the rash was. This is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. 13 These marks can happen after an inflammatory wound, like a ringworm rash, has healed. Some people are more prone to developing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and it's more common in those with dark complexions.